Menu Monday

Monday:  Deep Dish Pizza

Matt invented this dish.  Well, I'm sure he didn't invent deep dish pizza, but it was something he made regularly before I was around.  My mom always made homemade thin crust pizza so this was all new to me.  I think it's really good, but I think I still prefer my mom's way.  I feel like I get more pizza when I get to eat 6 slices instead of 2 even though it's the same amount of food.

We used Walmart brand pizza crust.  You just add water to the packet, mix it up, let it sit for 5 minutes...and you're good to go.  We're an all sausage/half pineapple kind of family (fruit on pizza is a sin in my opinion) so that's what I used.  Top it with some mozz, pop it in the oven for 25 minutes at 425 degrees and you're good to go!

Recipe specifics for entire pizza:
8 oz. of sausage
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese

WW points:  22 points/serving
2 servings


Tuesday:  Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

I got this recipe from DAR, one of my very favorite bloggers who has since left the blogging world.  Insert tear here.  She actually got it from one of my other bloggy besties, Jenn.  For some reason I can't link to your blog, Jenn, so here's your official shout out!  Hey Jenn!  Thanks for the yummy recipe!

I changed it up a little bit so I'll post exactly what I did here:

Ingredients:
3 chicken breasts (2 lbs. 8 oz.)
1 bottle of wing sauce (I used Frank's Sweet BBQ)
1 packet ranch dressing mix
3 Tbsp. butter
Hamburger buns

Put the chicken, wing sauce, and ranch packet into the crock pot.  Cook on low for 5-6 hours.  Shred chicken with a fork.  Add back to the crock pot, add the butter and stir.  Let the flavors meld for an hour or two and then serve it up on hamburger buns.

These were so yummy!  I do prefer the pulled BBQ chicken, but if you're in the mood for something a little spicy...this is definitely for you.  I really don't see the point of the added butter, so next time I would skip that for sure.

WW points:  8 points/serving
6 servings
2 hamburger buns used = 8 points
Total meal: 16 points


Wednesday:  Leftovers


Thursday:  Bow Tie Lasagna

This meal came together very quickly which is perfect for us during the week.  The sour cream in the sauce made it super creamy which was a nice treat, especially coming from two people who despise sour cream.  I cut the serving size down a little so I could have more and the amount was perfect.

WW points:  11 points/serving
5 servings
Texas Toast:  5 points
Total Meal:  16 points


Friday:  Leftovers


Saturday:  Cookout!

We had a few of our friends over for a cookout and had such a lovely time.  I really don't know why we don't do this more often.  We're totally the couple (I mean family of three!) that goes to their friends' houses way more than we have people over.  But I had such a lovely time being in my own home!  Especially with Natalie.  She had all of her toys right here, not to mention her crib when bedtime rolled around!

Here was the menu:

Appetizer:  Mexican Cheese Ball with Tortilla Chips

When I say this dip was awesome, I am SO not joking.  One of our friends lovingly referred to it as a mushed up taco.  In a good way.  If you can take it as that.  It went perfectly with the tortilla chips...and the toasted pecans on the outside...to die for.  I will say that the recipe said to form the cheese into a ball, roll it in the pecans, and put it in the fridge.  Um, the cheese was definitely not rollable.  At all.  It was not firm and was very much more of a dip than a cheese ball.  So I just sprinkled the pecans on top.  Worked out just fine!


Main Dish:  Smoked BBQ Ribs

Matt did the smoking so all I can say is oh.my.goodness.was.this.ever.outstanding.  Enough said.

Side Dishes:  Potato Casserole, Watermelon, Corn on the Cob

I didn't make the potato casserole but it was one of those casseroles that was creamy, potatoey goodness with corn flakes on top.  Oh yeah.


Dessert:  Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

I had such high hopes for these cupcakes...but they were just okay.  They were extremely tart and just super sweet.  I usually don't have a problem with this but even for me it was a little too much.  Plus, the cake was pretty dense and dry.  They looked super pretty though!

Notice I didn't include points for this day.  Yeah.  So did my ass.


Sunday:  Leftovers

What We've Been Up To

We had a play date earlier this week and Natalie got to enjoy her first dip in the pool since vacation.  She LOVED it.  She was splishing and splashing all over the place.  The water was a little chilly but the girl didn't mind one bit.  I think she was in there for an hour...and I only made her get out because I was bored...not her.  I'm thinking next summer I definitely need to get my little swimmer a pool.

 

You may recall a certain little one learning how to sit up on her own recently?  Here's some proof.

 

 

 I just can't get over how much she looks like a big girl!  And she's improving everyday.

 We've put the bumpers in her crib now as she's become a rolling machine and keeps trying to reach for things outside her crib when she's on her belly.  Plus, she was banging into the rails like crazy whilst scooting...so it was time.  I think she's settled into her new little routine quite nicely!

 

 

We've been working on crawling here lately.  Natalie's really great about getting up on her hands...and getting up on her knees...just not at the same time.  I know with time she'll figure it all out.  She's starting to get really frustrated when she can't get to where she wants to go though.  Her new way to move is to get up on her knees, push her face into the floor, and basically flop forward.  Not sure how she thought of that...but it works.

  

 Girl is just the love of my life.  I could kiss those little cheekies for hours.

 

WW Update!

So...yeah.  It's been a few weeks.  You know what that means, right? 

Me too.

We went on vacation and then for some reason I really had a hard time getting back into things when we got back.  Perhaps it had something to do with the fact I was eating Twizzlers, fun size candy bars, and Starbursts for breakfast in Florida.  Not sure. 

But last week I finally got back on the horse.  I got serious at the gym and stayed within my points everyday.  So here's the update since I started...again, that was approximately 5 weeks after Natalie was born.

Weight loss since last reported:  5.5 lbs.
Total weight loss:  31 lbs.

Also, something exciting comes with this new weigh in.  I have finally reentered the world of ONE-derland!  Now, at first this was not something I was all psyched up to share.  Seeing as saying you have entered into one-derland is admitting that at one time you were actually in the TWOs.  Which no one wants to say.  But there you have it.  I was there.  Granted, I was there because I was pregnant...but I was still in it for 6 months after my sweetie was born so I can't blame her for everything now can I. 

Truth is, I've been there before.  I lost 75 lbs. before I got married and I vowed I would never be that heavy again.  I wanted to make sure I was at a healthy weight before I got pregnant so I would never have to see those numbers again.  Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way.  I gained some weight back during the first few years of our marriage (who doesn't?)...not nearly as much as I lost...but enough that when I got pregnant I knew I was going to see those dreaded numbers again.  It was frightening to see the weight come on as quickly as it did.  I found it incredibly easy to lose myself in pregnancy and not worry about what I was eating.  That is a mistake I will not make again.

I made a vow to Matt that I would not harass him about having another child until I reached my goal weight.  I have a long way to go but I feel like I'm in the groove.  I'm gonna do it.  I've done it before...and I can do it again.  And then the next time I get pregnant I won't have to lose the baby weight + all the extra fluff!  And there's motivation in another squishy little newborn :)

So how are y'all doing? 

Guess Who's 6 Months Old!?!

My darling girl,

You are six whole months old.  I cannot believe it has been half a year since your Daddy and I were in the hospital meeting you for the first time.  Some days it seems like you've always been here...and others it seems like you just got here yesterday. 

You are wearing size 3 diapers and mostly 6-9 month clothing.  The 6 month onesies are definitely on their last leg I'm afraid.  You're just so long!  Mommy also had to move your jumperoo up to the last setting because you had some sort of growth spurt.  I cannot believe you are almost out of that thing. 

According to the doctor, you weigh in around 18 1/2 lbs. (95%) and are 27 3/4 inches long (97%).  Such a big girl!  She warned us people would think you were older and wonder why you weren't walking yet.  Ha!  She also thinks you are very close to getting your first pair of pearly whites.  Eek!! 

You are still nursing and have yet to have a sip of formula.  I am so thankful everyday that I've been able to successfully breastfeed you for 6 months.  In fact, I'm a little sad thinking of the day when I have to give up our special time together.  You're not much of a snuggle bug these days so I have come to cherish our feeding sessions.  But it will be nice to have my boobies back.  You're kind of a hog.

 

This month has definitely been your busiest to date.  Here are just a few highlights:

• At the beginning of the month we started putting you in bed without being swaddled.  You were constantly busting free in the middle of the night and Mommy was entirely too sick of waking up and reswaddling you.  It was time.  And you transitioned beautifully.  

• You took your first trip to the park with your friends Braden, William, and Olivia.  You and Olivia chillaxed on the blanket and watched the boys play.  I'm pretty sure you loved it.  You also ventured to the zoo for the first time with miss Kennedy.  You didn't seem really into it, but you did take a good nap.  Ha!

• For the most part, you are still only napping your in car seat or stroller during the day.  I have managed to get you to sleep in your crib one magical day (after about 5 minutes of fussing) so I'm hoping we can transition to this full time.  You are dangerously close to outgrowing your infant carrier so I know my days of moving you from sleeping in the car to the swing are drawing to a close.  Insert tear.

• You're still a fabulous sleeper at night.  We put you down around 7 and you have been getting up around 6:30 or 7.  I can sometimes get you to go right back down for a little bit after you eat...but I fear that is becoming a rarity.   Unfortunately, you still scream bloody murder when Mommy isn't here to put you to bed.  Several times Daddy has had to put you down without eating because you simply refuse to take a bottle.  But only at night.  During the day you will eat from it no problem if you have to.  Seriously girl...mess with your routine and you are a TERROR.

• You started solid foods this month!  You look like such a big girl sitting in your high chair.  We began with rice cereal and you took to it very well.  You are currently working on a box of oatmeal and are LOVING it!  You are eating twice a day, approximately 3 Tbsp. per sitting. 

• Your grandparents visited you this month.  They are so in love with you sweet girl.  I just know you are going to be spoiled rotten when you're older.  Oh wait.  You already are.  They carry you around everywhere and your Grandmer makes you anything and everything you could possibly need.  You are a very lucky girl.

• You have discovered your feet this month and are constantly pulling on them and trying to put them in your mouth.  It's fairly entertaining for both of us.

• Also this month, you went on your very first vacation with Mommy's side of the family.  We all flew down to Panama City Beach and stayed in a condo with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Jessi, and Uncle Dave.  You had a BLAST at the pool!  You kicked around just like a little fishy in there.  You weren't such a fan of the ocean but neither is Mommy so it worked out just fine.  

• Once we got back from vacation, you started rolling over like crazy!  You looked like you'd been doing it forever.  I'm not sure what got into you!  You roll from your back to your tummy all the time.  It's become a little bit of an issue as you have started doing it in your crib at night and then get very upset because you can't get back.  Mama is not a fan.  

• You also started sitting up all on your own!  We've been practicing for a while now and then all of a sudden you just lifted your little arms up and were sitting!  You had this look on your face like, "Hey Mom.  Check me out!"  You knew it was cool.

 

 

Sweet girl, your Daddy and I love you more every single day.  You have completed our little family in so many ways and we cannot imagine one single second without you here.  You truly are such a good baby and we are very, very lucky.  You have blessed our lives simply by being you.  And you always will.

 

Love you to the moon and back Natty Poo,

 

Mama

Menu Monday

When a person, AKA me, decides to start posting menus, it's usually on a day when you make a really fantastic meal and can't wait to share so all of your bloggy friends think you are just such a fabulous cook and they can't believe you don't have your own show on Food Network.  Right?

Well, the truth is...some weeks are just full of pre-packaged meals and making whatever the heck you can find from something hidden in the bottom of the deep freezer.  That, my friends, was last week.  We went grocery shopping after church on Sunday without making a list (which I despise) so this is what happened.  Note to self:  never do that again.


Monday:  Frozen Pizza

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Yep.  Keeping it real here, peeps.  Doesn't get much easier than this.  We actually ate it standing up as Natalie was having a rough night and Matt was walking her around in the Baby Bjorn just trying to get her to GO TO SLEEP!!  As an aside...that didn't work.  But the pizza was pretty good.  I prefer a good pepperoni and sausage myself...but this was alright.

WW points:  15 points/4 slices (1/2 pizza)


Tuesday:  Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Did you really think this was going to be homemade?  Nope.  Not this week.  I microwaved it for like 4 minutes and then ate it.  Unfortunately, you could tell.  It was just okay.  Not sure I would ever buy it again.  But really, it took 4 minutes.

WW points: 13 points/serving
2 Servings
Hamburger Buns:  4 points/bun
2 buns
Total Meal:  21 points


Wednesday:  Taco Stuffers

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We had a coupon for this stuff.  For a few weeks we couldn't find it in the grocery store because we were looking in the refrigerated and frozen food section.  You know, because it has meat in it.  Um, we found it with the Mexican food.  Not refrigerated.  Both Matt and I were seriously weirded out by this, but we'll try anything if it's $1 off.

Talk about easy...microwave the pouch for 60 seconds and you're done.  We put it in tortillas and topped it with Mexican cheese.  I thought it was kinda mushy.  All the ingredients seemed to meld together and the texture was a little strange.  It tasted fine...but I definitely would not buy this again unless the coupon was perhaps $3 off.

WW points:  6 points/servings
2 Servings
Tortillas:  3 points/tortilla
2 tortillas
1/3 cup Mexican cheese = 3 points
Total Meal:  15 points

Thursday:  Ravioli

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This was the "reach into the deeper freezer with your eyes closed and make what comes out" day.  I had some leftover frozen ravioli that I cooked...added some spaghetti sauce...and presto!  Meal!  We also had some Texas toast as a side.  I figure a day when I use the stove AND the oven constitutes a legit meal, yes?

WW points:  13 points for 1/2 leftover ravioli and 1 cup sauce
Texas Toast:  4 points
Total Meal:  17 points

Friday:  Hamburgers with Potato Wedges

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WW points:  6 points/5 oz. lean ground beef burger
Hamburger Bun:  4 points
3 oz. Potato Wedges:  3 points
Total Meal:  13 points

Saturday:  Grilled Steak w/ Grilled Corn on the Cob

Finally!  A real meal!  Matt bought some ribeye last time we were at the store so we grilled it up with the corn and it was AWESOME!  In fact when we finished, I suggested we begin eating exclusively steak.  Apparently, according to my husband, we do not have a money tree growing in our yard so I was shut down.  Story of my life.

WW points:  9 points/8 oz. of steak; 2 points/one medium corn on the cob
Total Meal:  11 points
I used spray butter on my corn so as to not add any additional points.  We did marinate the steak in a teriyaki marinade beforehand but I've learned the meat never really soaks up enough of the marinade to add any points to a meal.

Sunday:  Sweet and Sour Chicken w/ Brown Rice

This meal was pretty good.  10 minutes on the stove top and it's done.  But, it does NOT serve 3.  2...maybe.  I was pretty much still starving after my measly little serving.  I had to finish off the meal with a bowl full of strawberries just to get through the night. 

WW points:  9 points/serving
3 servings
Brown Rice:  4 points/serving
Total Meal:  13 points

Now, please come back next week when I cross my heart to make you actual meals that include recipes.  PROMISE!

My Baby Girl is Growing Up!

I had Natalie's 6 month pictures taken yesterday at the house.  It took me a long time to decide if I should get a photographer for her pictures...I mean a LONG time.  Picture me, 5 months ago, nursing Natalie at some ungodly hour, agonizing back and forth about this issue.  I know.  I have problems.  And then came which photographer to get.  That was a whole other set of worries.  On a recommendation from a friend, I finally decided on Matthew Connors and he was fabulous!  It was so relaxed and easy and I could not have been happier with the experience.  He sent me a sneak peak this morning and I couldn't wait to share!  I simply cannot wait to see the final pictures!!

Baby Thanksgiving

On Sunday, our sweet little girl participated in a Baby Thanksgiving at our church.  We got to go on stage and the whole congregation prayed for her and for us.  It was a really awesome experience and I'm so glad we were able to do it.  Natalie usually stays in the nursery so it was her first time in the auditorium.  I loved getting to hold her and sing our worship songs at the same time.  

Per our usual routine, we headed to the grocery store after church.  The Super Walmart across the street is fantastic.  Don't you think Walmarts can be hit or miss?  I mean, some are super trashy and others are really clean and nice.  This one = awesome.  As you may remember, our church is a good 45 minutes from our house so we use this opportunity to hit up the store while we're out there. 

While we were shopping, a woman approached us and told us she saw us at church!  It was so weird...and I told Matt when she left I kind of felt like a celebrity.  Ha!  But it also made me think.  I've now stood up in front of probably a thousand people in our church.  A church where it is easy to get lost in the crowd.  But now, perhaps people will recognize our family.  Know us as those people who have that really cute little girl in the polka dot dress and pink headband.  But hopefully know us more as those parents who are raising their child in the church.  And just knowing that makes me feel like I'm being held accountable.  Which I desperately need and for which I am so thankful.